Arts and culture in Bucks County are critical to our lives and our local economy, and are a crucial part of our history and future.   The mission of the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County is to foster, strengthen and promote Bucks County’s diverse arts and culture, thereby contributing to a more vibrant community.

The Early Years

In 1974 what was then known as the Bucks County Council on the Arts became the focal point for support of the arts in Bucks County. According to Brian H. Peterson in “The Genius Belt, The Story of the Arts in Bucks County,” the BCCA sponsored exhibitions and programs, published a newsletter, and developed an archive on more than 1500 artists. In 1985, the Council was absorbed by the establishment of the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown.

A New Beginning

With that great success as a backdrop, a steering committee was formed in the early 2000’s to re-establish The Arts and Cultural Council of Bucks County.  Guded by our founder, artist Katharine Steele Renninger, this group of concerned citizens, philanthropists, and government officials helped to lead the next stage of development and forged alliances with arts and cultural organizations throughout the county.

Moving Forward

In 2011, the Arts Council welcomed new members to our board of directors including a new board president. Within these past few years, our new leadership began to re-evaluate the goals and direction of the Council as well as our role in the community.  Part of this process involved looking back on what was NOT working and coming up with ideas and solutions to better serve our members.

As a result, we redesigned our website in 2014 and will continue to make improvements based on member feedback.  Our social media presence has virtually exploded as more people find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest.  We developed a more consistent communication with our members via newsletters and connecting with them on social media.  In addition, we’ve hosted several networking events and will continue developing programs for our members.  We are now the presenting sponsor of the Doylestown Art Days in June!  We hope you will continue to be a part of this exciting time for us and we appreciate your support!

Today, the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County is a 501(c)3, nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  Support for the work of the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County has been received from our membership and other individuals as well as these corporations, foundations and agencies of government:

• Bucks County Community College
• Bucks County Commissioners
• Bucks County Foundation
• Grundy Foundation
• Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
• Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

Generous donations make it possible for us to continue to improve and enhance our services – providing support, workshops and forums to benefit the efforts of our diverse arts & cultural community.  Make your individual donation today!